Top 11 BEST Things to do in Khao Lak

Looking for the top things to do in Khao Lak? Here are the top attractions and must-do experiences you must not miss. Read this post now!

Has your vacation in Thailand lacked solitude and days of relaxation? Are you looking to spend some time away from all the parties and shopping? Khao Lak is a beautiful place in Thailand that is known for some of the country’s best beaches. Lying 80 km away from Phuket, this place is a perfect peaceful getaway offering you tranquil days and nights.

Khao Lak is a perfect peaceful destination with three national parks in the vicinity and miles and miles of beaches. Tropical forests, beachfront, and good food are what awaits you here.

The best time to visit Khao Lak is between November to February when it is dry, and one can enjoy activities like diving and snorkeling. In the wet months, the humidity is very high, making it slightly uncomfortable for visitors to explore the region as comfortable as they can otherwise.

For anyone wishing to explore this silent beauty and wondering what to do in Khao Lak, we bring you the list of fun things to do in Khao Lak to explore the beauty, culture, and of course, food of this spectacular and peaceful part of Thailand.

Top 11 BEST Things to do in Khao Lak

Watch a Turtle Festival

The Turtle festival is celebrated in the first week of March every year. At this time, turtle hatchlings are released into the ocean at the Thai Muang National Park Beach.

Endangered turtles lay the eggs on the beach, and volunteers guard them till they hatch. Once they hatch, they are taken to the fisheries and raised there till they are eight months old.

The Thai Muang beaches are nesting grounds for turtles, and the turtles that are hatched and raised in the Phang Nga Fisheries are released into the ocean.

There is a parade, a Thai festival with stalls and live music and dance in the evening. The festivities can spill on to the wee hours of the next morning. This is a big event, and you can see all the turtles speeding towards the ocean.

Attend a Thai cooking class

If you are in Khao Lak, then you must try to learn about making local dishes. Stir fry’s and Pad Thai are popular items that are offered by some organizations and individuals.

They could take you on a markettour to select the ingredients, and some even offer complimentary refreshments like Thai tea, soft drinks, water, or beer.

Most classes are around 1500 baht per person. Depending on the class you book, you could get a chance to pick your own vegetables from a garden. Ways to make curries, soups, street food, salads, finger foods, and desserts are all taught here.

Horseback Riding Lessons at Khao Lak Horse Club

Khao Lak offers a chance to ride a horse on the beaches. The Khao Lak horse club lies on the way to the Chongfah Waterfall. They offer horse riding lessons as well, along with riding trails and views of the sunset on the beach. The horses on the ranch are a mix of Arabian and Quarter breeds.

There are around ten horses, and they are very friendly towards people. The stable can be reached by car or scooter. They charge 1000 baht for one lesson and 3000 baht for the beach trail.

They are operating on all days from November to April and are open on some during the offseason. You will enjoy riding on the horse while on the mountain trail or viewing the sunset on the beach.

Enjoy a Jungle Safari At The Khao Lak Park

When you are in Khao Lak, do try the jungle safari there. Get close to the forest and explore nature through the safari and elephant camp. Take an elephant ride through the forest and get a beautiful view of the Andaman Sea. Interact with baby elephants, feed them, and click pictures. See the Orchid Garden and the Mini Zoo on the premises as well.

Visit the Ton Pring waterfall and go bamboo rafting. Small rafts are made with bamboo, and you can float on it. Also, enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water if you feel like it. Some companies take you on a road trip through the forest or go on a canoe to enjoy the natural views.

Adults are charged at around 1800 baht, and children go for 1400. If you enjoy these calm, peaceful activities or are visiting with your family, then this is a good option for you.

Shop at Khao Lak night Market

Khao Lak has a night market at Bang Niang. If you want to enjoy the local food and mingle with the locals, the night market is a good place to see.

It is near the Tsunami Memorial Park, covering an area of 2100 sqm. These local Thai markets are a lively and colourful sight. The makeshift stalls are made from thatch and wood that sell a variety of goods. Fashion accessories, clothes, shoes, food, silks, and souvenirs can all be found here.

The prices are very good if you are looking to buy more for less. That market is open from 10 in the morning till ten at night. But it is best to go after 4.30 in the evening when it cools down a bit. The place is closed on Tuesday and Friday, so avoid those days.

Explore the Chong Fah Waterfall

The Chong Fah waterfall is in Phang Nga under the administration of the Khao Lak – Lam Ru National Park. It is a single waterfall, with water flowing from a height of 5 levels up. The Bang Niang Canal is the source of this waterfall.

The area is covered in greenery, and the water attracts the local fauna that includes hornbills and tapirs. It is open from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, and there is an entrance fee for the national park. Foreigners pay 200 baht while locals pay 20 baht. Children go in for half the price.

Visitors can choose to hike to get to the waterfall or take a taxi or motorbike. If it is hot, then you could get in for a swim and then explore the five levels through which it falls. Enjoy the peace of nature in this lush place.

Wat Tham temple

The Wat Tham Ta Panis a well-known temple. It is referred to as the temple of hell and heaven. Visitors will see the traditional animals and deities around, and they also have something known as the Sin park.

The temple begins with the mouth of a dragon in which you enter and go to the belly of the dragon. Then you walk through the cave that represents heaven and then see hell. Hell has maimed and tortured statues that are accented with red paint depicting blood.

The scenes depicted are of torture, and some may find it quite disturbing. It is meant to be this way as it shows what happens when people don’t follow Buddhism’s moral precepts. It is intended that the design terrifies sinners to do the right thing.

A fountain at the entrance is surrounded by five monks holding bowls – each depicting a desire. As per tradition, if you toss a coin into any bowl, the bowl in which it lands, you will get the desire linked to it. This is an intriguing place to see and experience.

Khao Lak Waterfalls

Khao Lak is surrounded by greenery and mountains, and because of this, it has some waterfalls in its vicinity. The Ching fa has already been mentioned above, and apart from this, there are three more – Sai Rung, Lampi, and Ton Prai. Sai Rung is also known as the Rainbow Waterfall or Pakweep.

It is easily accessible, and you can see it for free. It is a minute’s walk from the car park, and you can pack a picnic or prepare for a swim. The Lampi is 30 minutes away from Khao Lak, and it is a three-level fall. The main pool is quite deep and wide, perfect for swimming.

The Ton Prai is 40 minutes away from Khao Lak, and you need to trek for 700 meters before you get to the falls. It isn’t the most popular one but offers peace and quiet amidst nature.

9. Visit the International Tsunami Museum

As Thailand is prone to tsunamis and one very nearly devastated the coastal areas in 2004, this museum is built for informative purposes. Located on the Phetkasem Road, it not only depicts the aftermath of a tsunami but also the warning signs.

The Thai navy boat 813 remains are right next to the museum to show the power of the waves as this was carried more than 2 km inland during the tsunami. This place will hold interest for people who are curious about how a Tsunami, nature’s creation, works.

Admire the beauty of Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island by Long Tail Boat

One can clearly see the limestone buffs on the Phang Nga Bay, where you can go grappling as well. The waterways are untainted, and there are captivating holes which you can explore on long-tail boats.

There are karst islands made of limestone, which can be explored, and one of them has been named the James Bond Island as it was depicted in a James Bond movie. Natural beauty abounds here, and you can just sit back and explore the views this place has to offer.

Taste the local food in a night market

If you are visiting Thailand, then you must visit the night markets of mostly every place in Thailand. These markets are the hub of activities, and the energy there is quite different from all the party spaces.

The same is applicable for the night market in Khao Lak. Try the local snacks and finger-licking street foods that are served in the night street as you walk around enjoying the vibe and bargaining for items that you want to take back as souvenirs.

Khao Lak has a distinct personality on its own, and the night market offers insight to their local lifestyle, especially through their food. So, let the explorer inside you come out and definitely consider this among your things to do in Khao Lak.

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